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Former Auburn Star Kerryon Johnson Throws Shade on Program

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alec Musa | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 8:58 AM ET

The Auburn Tigers have housed some of the best college football players in the history of the SEC.

However, not all of them left the Plains with love for their old stomping grounds.

On Monday, a former SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Auburn rusher threw shade at the Tigers.

"Eh," said Kerryon Johnson on Twitter when asked if he was proud to be a former Tiger.

He elaborated on the reason in another Tweet, citing personal reasons for his disdain.

Johnson's response comes amid a brutal five-year stretch for the Auburn Tigers, with one bowl win and a combined 16-27 record in conference play.

Johnson's response was met with disgust from fans, with the running back posting one of the best single seasons in franchise history.

In 2017, Johnson collected a conference-best 1,391 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. Auburn won ten games that season, a feat they have since failed to repeat. Johnson also had 1,000 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns the previous year.

The 43rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Johnson spent just four seasons in the professional ranks. Most notably, he rushed for 641 yards as a rookie with the Detroit Lions. However, he spent time on Injured Reserve during his first two years, derailing his career before he turned to coaching.

The Alabama native has served as the running back coach for the North Alabama Lions since 2024.

Nevertheless, Johnson seems to have no love lost for his college program, an unfortunate development for one of the program's most talented offensive players in history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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